i don't really understand "dine out vcvr" concept - i assume it is (or was) intended to boost numbers during the dreary quiet winter season - so you go to the website ... find your fav spot and check out the set menu and proceed accordingly ...

is it worth it at the sale price (set price)?

would you dine as a NORMAL full price guest (ie not at a discount) at those same places during this sale price period?

or are they overburdened by those who want the discounted meal plan - kind of like shopping on boxing day or black friday?

I kinda felt that way too until I had a couple of good experiences during Dine Out ordering off the regular menu. Wildebeest is offering a bunch of stuff from theirs that I really want to try. It will be interesting as well to try a place that has never participated in DOV before (I guess they weren't open this time last year?). But for sure I would only go to a place that had at least some of its regular offerings available. I think it is too hard to stay within the $ parameters and still showcase what a place is doing best.

As for whether it's worth the prix fixe, that depends on a bunch of things. I typically don't order dessert so the savings lessen. Plus I like more choice than is usually offered. And it really varies from resto to resto. Some places seem to use cheaper proteins to stay within budget, others treat it as a chance to show what they can do, a loss leader if you will.